← Stavanger Marathon·1 night

Preikestolen: The Pulpit Rock Hike, Once the Legs Allow

An 8 km return hike to a rock platform 604 m above the fjord, with a night near the trailhead to avoid the crowds.

Duration1 night
TransitRoad, about 40 minutes (39 km) from Stavanger
DepartsStavanger

After the Stavanger Marathon: Preikestolen

The Route: Stavanger → Preikestolen → Stavanger → Stavanger Airport Logistics: The drive is about 39 km and around 40 minutes. Seasonal direct buses run to Preikestolen Basecamp. One night near the trailhead. Marathon Month: August Duration: 1 night

Stavanger ──(about 40 mins by road or seasonal bus)──> Preikestolen Basecamp ──(hike, about 4 hrs return)──> Stavanger

Preikestolen is the best known walk in the region, and the one to leave for the second day, not the first. Life in Norway gives the hike as about 8 km there and back, with around 500 m of total ascent and official guidance to allow about four hours for the round trip. Other sources differ on the length and time, so read the trailhead signs on the day. The path is rocky and uneven in places, so wear shoes with grip.

August in the region: the main hiking season runs from spring to autumn, and June, July and August are the busiest months. Parking at the trailhead is paid, with about 1,000 spaces, and the busiest period is roughly 8 am to 4 pm. Lots can close temporarily on very busy days.

Getting there

Since the Ryfast tunnels opened, the drive is the simpler option, at about 40 minutes with tolls. Go Fjords and Pulpit Rock Tours run seasonal direct buses to Preikestolen Basecamp. Check the timetable and book ahead. Kolumbus bus 100 goes to Jørpeland, but you then need a taxi to the trailhead.

Night One: near the trailhead

VisitNorway lists lodging near the trailheads, including cabins at the Bolder Sky Lodges and rooms at the Preikestolen mountain lodge at Basecamp. A night nearby lets you start the walk early, before the day crowds arrive. Book ahead for late August.

The walk

Take it slowly. The same quadriceps that carried you through 42 km dislike steps and descents, and the way down is the harder part. Poles help. If the legs still feel heavy, a seated alternative exists: the Lysefjord cruise passes below the cliff.

Getting home

Return to Stavanger by road or bus. For Stavanger Airport at Sola (SVG), Flybussen runs from the centre in about 25 to 30 minutes, so leave a margin for the transfer.